CLIVE Palmer has hit back, accusing Premier Campbell Newman of trying to take focus off some disappointing economic figures out this week.

"In response to Campbell Newman's personal attack on me today, I am not a current member of any political party, I am an ordinary citizen of this state and I have a right to an opinion and a right to express that opinion in any forum I choose," Professor Palmer said.

"The Premier should concentrate on addressing current issues such as negative growth rather than spending his valuable time attacking individuals.

"If Campbell Newman does not change how he treats people and the manner in which he operates, he will not be Premier for long, and this is reflected in current polling figures.

"It was the Premier's choice to be a servant of this state. He is only there because of the trust instilled upon him by those voters who supported him. He should show them the respect they are due."

Mr Newman, who arrived home from a trade mission to India on Wednesday night, told ABC he believed their comments were "self-serving" and pointed the finger at Billionaire Clive Palmer, who he said he believed may have had a hand in the dramas plaguing the party.

"Mr Douglas wants to be a Minister but he's not. People can draw their own conclusions," Mr Newman said.

Mr Newman denied any wrongdoing over the removal of Mr Douglas from the Ethics Committee just days before he quit the party.

He said he was of the understanding Mr Douglas was happy to move.

"Here are three people out of a group of 78 who went to the electorate saying we are going to be members of this party and then jumped ship," he said.

"Ray Hopper at his press conference ... he said that Campbell Newman ... was a good leader and a great Premier.

"It all comes back to Mr Palmer doesn't it. Who is paying for those (Mr Douglas') advertisements ... perhaps Mr Palmer."

The Premier said while three had left, the rest of his backbench were working well together.

"They (MPs Douglas, Hopper and Carl Judge) chose to leave because they didn't want to keep their commitment to the people of their electorates ... they weren't prepared to be team players," Mr Newman said.

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